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- Info
Restoring the hydrological cycle in the urban forest ecosystem
| Author: |
Korhnak, Lawrence V. |
| Date: |
2000 |
| Periodical: |
In: Duryea, M.L.; Binelli, E. Kampf; Korhnak, L.V., eds. Restoring the Urban Forest Ecosystem [CD-ROM]. [Gainesville, FL:] University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agriculture Sciences, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, School of Forest Resource |
| Abstract: |
Forests provide a protective cover for the landscape and cycle much of the precipitation back to the atmosphere. They are essential components of many aquatic ecosystems. When native forests are removed and replaced with impervious surfaces and high maintenance vegetation, much of the water that would have been returned to the atmosphere or percolated into the ground water, washes off the landscape. The quantity and energy of this runoff erodes landscapes, deteriorates aquatic habitat, and floods human habitat. In addition, the runoff washes away chemicals that have been concentrated on the land to support high maintenance vegetation. Polluted runoff, referred to as non-point source pollution, is our nation's most serious water quality problem. Reestablishing the urban forest can help to protect the landscape and associated aquatic ecosystems. Runoff can be reduced, use of polluting chemicals can be lowered, and aquatic habitat and ecosystem links can be reestablished. |
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